BULLYING doesn't stop at the school gates. Shocking figures have revealed that 10 per cent of workers feel they've been a victim in the past six months.

It can take a variety of forms, from evil emails to taunts on personal appearance and being continually threatened with the sack.

And, as eight out of 10 firms admit it has occurred in their organisation Amicus, the UK's largest private sector union, has started a huge anti-bullying project.

The #1.8 million DTI-sponsored Dignity at Work Partnership launched this week and the union - with researchers from Portsmouth Business School - has compiled a list of bully types.

So who are they and what is the first step to stopping the misery?

THE PLAYGROUND BULLY

A David Brent-style class clown who uses taunts and name-calling. Victims feel like they are back at school with their appearance, voice and work the butt of jokes.

FIRST STEP: This bully's thick skin hides a huge but fragile ego. Take the bully to one side and tell them that their jokes are upsetting.

THE PINSTRIPE BULLY

A workplace tyrant, this boss loves confrontation and rules with a hire 'em, fire 'em attitude.

Victims live in fear that they are next for the chop or for a row where the bully never listens and always wins.

FIRST STEP: Again, don't have a showdown in the middle of the office. Talk privately, stand up for yourself, be polite and keep your temper. This bully is aggressive and enjoys your fear.

THE VIRTUAL BULLY

They strike when victims are away from their desk. An email coward who doesn't like confrontation.

FIRST STEP: Don't email back, pick up the phone. They undermine your performance by putting everything in writing and cc-ing others. Break the pattern.

THE BITCHY BULLY

This type identifies your weakness and then uses subtle, difficult-to-prove put-downs masked by a smiley face. They are two-faced and cunning.

FIRST STEP: You won't change this person so don't try. Be courteous, but keep notes of what they say.

THE WORKAHOLIC BULLY

Makes you stay late on a Friday night, but will always stay later. Has a zero tolerance attitude to everything from holidays to dates after work. Often bad at delegation, giving unmanageable amounts of work. Will make a point of re-doing everything you do.

FIRST STEP: Keep a diary of your working hours and ask for a meeting which may help you (and them) plan your workload in advance.

Companies such as BT, Legal & General and Royal Mail have signed up to Amicus' initiative and committed to an anti-bullying charter.

Mandy Telford, Amicus anti-bullying co-ordinator, says: "Victims should realise that there can be patterns within a bully's behaviour which they can identify and do something about."